Sunday, January 3, 2010

I Heart Lists

I love making lists. There's something about making a list that makes you feel as if you have a little bit of control and order in the world. Before we went to the market the other day, I decided to give Elliott the power. I drew him pictures of what we needed to get and then I put him in charge of the list. "Don't lose this," I said. And, "It is your job to hold on to the list and tell me what we need to get."

Normally, Elliott would much rather be at home, playing, than off at the grocery store; but the list changed all that. It was surprisingly effective in engaging him and he took his job very seriously. He was stoked. He was happy. He was in the know. Such a simple little thing, but oh, so powerful.

That is the cutest thing I have ever seen. I love it. I would never let my Hazel loose at the supermarket, yet I put her in the back of the cart where she takes it upon her self to sample the groceries, like taking a big bite of our cucumber once. So maybe I will try your brilliant idea cryn...you are supermom and I love you.

I love it! I have made grocery lists before for the kids to take to the store, but since only Jonathan can read it's no fun for the little ones. (I never thought of drawing pictures.) Now the only problem is implementing this. I am not a list person. That is why I am always driving home from the grocery store remembering what I forgot.